Severe 75mph gale force winds set to batter the UK

Severe gale force winds are set to rip through the UK, as the Met Office issues a 'danger to life' yellow weather warning.

Gusts of winds are expected to reach up to 75mph, particularly in northern Scotland where the conditions are predicted to last until Tuesday morning. around 6am.

Yellow weather warnings are in place for Central, Tayside and Fife, Grampian, Highlands and Eilean Siar and Orkney and Shetland.

The winds may also cause disruption to travel services including roads, railways, ferries and flights, the Met Office has warned.

Speaking to the Express, Mark Wilson from the Met Office said: "Particularly for northern Scotland as we can see gales or severe gales developing through the afternoon.

“Gusts could reach up to 70 or 75mph and we have a yellow wind warning in force as it could have some strong impacts.

“Through the rest of Monday into the evening and overnight that cloud and patchy rain will clear its way southwards.

(Image: Manchester Evening News)

“Behind it something drier and clearer but with a fair few showers continuing across the north and the northeast.

“The winds will stay strong, particularly for northern Scotland as that warning will still be in force."

Elsewhere, there will be strong winds in the north of England today, but these are expected to ease off by tomorrow morning.

It will remain cloudy in the Midlands, with some patches of rain.

There will be showers in southern England, but these should clear up by tomorrow morning.

Chilly temperatures of around -2C are expected in Scotland on Tuesday, while northern England, Wales and the central area will be just above the freezing mark.

A polar vortex is expected to hit the country this weekend bringing heavy snowfall and plummeting temperatures.

The Met Office defines a polar vortex as numerous circulations of wind, high up in the stratosphere, above the Earth.

Speaking to the Express, Exacta Weather forecaster James Madden said: “January is looking like a colder than average month overall, and we could see some of the lowest temperatures of winter so far during the next three weeks or so.

“There is also going to be a risk of widespread snowfall through the month, this is something we are keeping our eyes on.

“While February may be slightly less cold, temperatures are expected to remain largely below-average and there will be an ongoing risk of snowfall through the run-up to spring.

“There is a likelihood of seeing some significant snow events during this period, some parts of the country could see above-average snowfall for the time of year.”